Hi friends! I'm Lauren Akazawa Mendez!

I'm a 4th generation Japanese American illustrator and graphic designer living in the Pacific Northwest! Originally from Southern California, I received my bachelor degree from UCLA and taught art to all ages for eight years. I’ve been a freelance picture book illustrator since 2016 but I’ve been creating art since I first drew on my sister’s face at three years old.

Creating colorful images full of story and memorable characters is my specialty.  I’m especially interested in illustrating stories from and about Asian cultures and experiences. I primarily use digital painting for my work but enjoy sketching with colored pencil. 

When not scribbling on something, I go bug hunting with my little boy and husband, bake yummy treats for friends, and stay up way too late reading fantasy novels.

PUBLISHED Books

“The ABC’s of Asian American History” (2023)

written by Renee Macalino Rutledge; published by Ulysses Press

"Guide to Swift Codable"; “Guide to Swift Numbers”; & “Guide to Swift Strings”

written by Mattt Zmuda; Read Evaluate Press, LLC

"My First Bedtime Treasury" (2018)

published by Igloo Books

"Mrs. Magee's Unusual Plants" (2017) and “A Surprise for Mrs. Magee” (2021)

written by Kelly Gaffney; Capstone Publishing

interested in working with me?

Send me an email about your project: littleloboart (at) gmail (dot) com